A new year is a time for fresh starts, thoughtful planning, and setting intentions for the future. While many resolutions focus on health or finances, one of the most meaningful—and often overlooked—steps you can take is reviewing or creating your estate plan. In California, estate planning plays a critical role in protecting your loved ones, preserving assets, and ensuring your wishes are honored. As the year begins, consider these estate planning resolutions to help you start with clarity and peace of mind.
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Review and Update Your Estate Plan
If you already have an estate plan in place, the new year is an ideal time to review it. Major life changes—such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, purchasing property, or relocating—can all impact whether your documents still reflect your goals. California laws and family circumstances can change over time, and an outdated plan may no longer work as intended. A routine review helps ensure your plan remains aligned with your wishes.
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Create an Estate Plan If You Don’t Have One
If estate planning has been on your to-do list for years, make this the year you take action. Estate planning is not just for retirees or high-net-worth individuals—it is essential for anyone who wants control over their future. Without a plan, California’s intestate succession laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not reflect your preferences. Creating a will or trust allows you to make those decisions yourself.
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Consider How California Probate May Affect Your Family
Probate in California can be time-consuming and costly, especially when real estate is involved. One important resolution for the new year is to consider whether your current plan adequately addresses probate avoidance and asset distribution. Tools such as living trusts can help streamline the process and reduce stress for loved ones during an already difficult time.
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Review Beneficiary Designations
Certain assets—like retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and transfer-on-death accounts—pass according to beneficiary designations, not your will or trust. These designations should be reviewed regularly to ensure they are current and consistent with your overall estate plan. This is especially important in California, where community property considerations can impact how assets are treated.
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Plan for Incapacity, Not Just the Future
Estate planning isn’t only about what happens after death—it’s also about protecting yourself during your lifetime. California advance healthcare directives and durable powers of attorney allow you to choose who will make medical and financial decisions if you become incapacitated. Making this a priority this year can provide peace of mind for both you and your family.
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Have the Conversation
A powerful resolution for the new year is communication. Discussing your estate plan with loved ones can prevent confusion, reduce conflict, and ensure everyone understands your intentions. Estate planning is not just about documents—it’s about clarity, care, and preparation.
Start the Year with Confidence
A new year represents new beginnings, and estate planning is one of the most meaningful ways to prepare for the future. Whether you’re updating an existing plan or creating one for the first time, Tyre Law is here to guide California families through every step of the process.
If estate planning is on your list of resolutions this year, we invite you to contact Tyre Law to schedule a consultation and start the year with confidence and peace of mind.